CHAPTER 33: CHAPTER 33: HIS OWN FAIR SHARE OF SCORN

Vanadis gulped. This man was nothing like the rumors. If he weighed his options, working for Kaizar was the best choice but nobles only ever looked out for themselves.

"I will be loyal to you, just as you’ll be loyal to me. If you’re in danger, I will protect you. I won’t leave you behind. If you sincerely give yourself to me, Vanadis, I will keep you by my side for as long as you’re willing.." Min-jae said, his voice calm but certain.

As someone who had seen all things brutal on the street, hearing Min-jae’s words made Vanadis’ heart feel unexpectedly warm. He wasn’t asking him to die for him, he even said he would come to rescue.

"People often make promises they can’t keep.." Vanadis muttered, eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you think you’re above that?.."

Min-jae shook his head. "I’m an imperfect human. I may not be able to keep all my promises, but I assure you, I will not leave you behind.."

Vanadis looked at him for a long moment, the carriage wheels creaking softly beneath them. The streets outside blurred into gold and gray, sunlight flickering through the curtains.

"But I’m a thief. A street rat. Why would you want to swear allegiance to a man of lowly birth? I often try to forget what I am, but you nobles always remind me. That I’ll never be up to your level, I’ll always be a street rat.."

Min-jae leaned back. He understood Vanadis. Nobles were assholes, and for someone like Vanadis to want to be in their circle, he must have suffered his share of scorn.

"What if I bring you up to their level? Is it respect you seek, Vanadis? Or a sense of belonging? Do you want that label, street rat, thief... erased? I can help you with that. I can give you anything you desire. As long as it’s something money can buy, I’m not wasting my time on any other bullshit.."

-_-

Vanadis laughed, working with him would definitely not be boring.

"Alright. You win, I’ll work for you. Sincerely too.."

Min-jae nodded he did all these because he didn’t want Meical knowing about his dealings.

"That’s good. Just follow me, I’ll raise your standings, so high... you’ll dine with gods.."

The carriage rolled to a stop, as the driver signalled at they had arrived at the shop.

Opposite them, was a rather noisy tavern.

"What’s going on there?"

Vanadis looked over and then laughed "That’s the Pub sir, that’s were all the merchants and traders gather. Their ’guild’.." he said with a meh expression, from what it was good, it was just a guise for them to gather and drink bear.

Min-jae stroked his chin, a guild huh? He smiled and nodded.

"Shall we?" Min-jae stepped forward as Vanadis quickly stepped past him and opened the door.

The door chimed as they entered. The inside smelled of pressed linen and warm dye, a jumble of color swatches pinned to every wall.

Bolts of fabric leaned against shelves, spilling threads of crimson and pearl onto the floor.

Mr. Usher emerged from behind a curtain, a tape measure draped around his neck and spectacles sliding down his nose. "Good heavens, if it isn’t Lord Kaizar himself.." he said, voice half-mocking, half-delighted. "You came back before I could finish the last set."

Min-jae nodded, looking around as Mr. Usher went back to bring the designs he had finished.

"He’s going to take your measurements as well. You want to be seen on the same level as nobles? Dress better than them, that’s one way to get their attention.."

Vanadis bowed, he might as well see how far Kaizar could take him.

Mr. Usher came out holding a neatly folded stacked clothes.

He placed them down and bowed. "I’ve finished all the casual and night wears. I have just one court outfit that needs lining. I did the design as you asked. And I have some thoughts.."

Min-jae nodded, allowing Usher to continue.

"The shirt is button up, and the trousers has pockets, two at the front and two at the back. While the clothes is free and easy to slip in. It’s relatively light, during cold weathers. I’m afraid you won’t be able to wear it.."

Min-jae stroked his chin, what Mr. Usher said made sense, if he were to mass release these designs, the common folks may suffer during the winter.

"I understand. Do you have a thicker fabric? One that would typically make you sweat during the summer? That type of fabric should be perfect for winter. If these night wears are made of it during the cold weather, then there would be no issue with cold."

Mr. Usher eyes widened, he hadn’t thought about that alternative.

"You truly have foresight. Sir.." Mr. Usher chuckled as he started packaging the clothes. "Immedietely I finish the last design, I will deliver it myself..."

Min-jae nodded and turned to Vanadis. "This is Vanadis, he’s my bodyguard. You’ll be taking his measurements. His clothing should be in a similar pattern as mine.."

Mr. Usher eyes widened for a brief second, he wanted to give clothes meant for nobles to a commoner? And not just anyone one, a colored person at that.

Still he smiled and drew out tape. Work came first.

"Step up lad. I’ll take your measurements.."

Vanadis did as he was told, standing still while Mr. Usher looped the tape around his shoulders and waist.

Mr. Usher hummed quietly as he worked. "You’ve got a good frame. Easier to work with than most nobles, I’ll say that.."

Vanadis tilted his head. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"A practical one," the tailor replied, scribbling notes on a scrap of parchment. "Clothes sit better when the person doesn’t slouch or puff their chest like a rooster.."

That earned a small chuckle from Min-jae. "You’re far too honest, Mr. Usher.."

Mr. Usher sighed "Forgive my Lord. They prefer the trends to what actually fits them. As a tailor I feel quite bad for them.."